Although it’s a relatively newer form of therapy available to interested adults, pet therapy has shown a positive trend among those it’s helped. If you’re a newer person to this concept, it might not sound very clear. What is there to know about pet therapy? How can you get involved in it?
If you’re ready to learn more about pet therapy as an older adult, you’re in the best place to do it. Many seniors forget about pet therapy or might be skeptical of it. However, it’s worth a consideration if you want to improve your living situation. Let’s dive into some of the best aspects of pet therapy.
It Improves Mental Health
One of the biggest struggles of getting older is the many mental health ramifications that come with it. Bonding with pets is a form of relaxation, and according to one study, it will significantly improve your mental health in the long term.
Animals have assisted with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and more. Petting an animal and enjoying its presence makes a difference in the quality of life, and pet therapy ensures your mental health can rest on an upswing. An improvement in mental health with an animal is possible through the power of pet therapy.
Related: Should Seniors Have Pets?
It Benefits Physical Health
Not only does pet therapy offer assistance to the mental health department, but according to one study, it also brings positive attributes to your physical health. Pets require far more movement than sitting on your sofa at home, so you’ll be out and about far more with a pet therapy animal by your side.
It can be much trickier for older adults not only to move regularly but also to find the motivation to move around. Walking with a pet for pet therapy not only provides some motivation but will make the excursion an exciting experience. Improved physical health could mean an improvement in your overall longevity.
It Increases Motor Skills
According to one study, it’s normal for motor skills to decline in aging. While this action is natural, it can be frustrating for adults to lose the smaller abilities they once had. Luckily, with pet therapy, it’s possible to improve, refine, and retain some of the most critical motor skills in the body.
Some of the ways pet therapy allows assistance with motor skills occur through feeding them treats, petting the dogs, and interacting with the animals in various ways. If you’re working with a dog, taking them on a walk will improve areas like your arms and legs as they work together.
It Reduces Loneliness
Unfortunately, as one ages, it’s easier than ever to be lonely. Many older adults have lost their spouses or live alone for another reason, which can be very lonely. The introduction of pet therapy means there will be another presence, offering someone to talk to and a body where there previously was nothing.
Of course, having a pet for pet therapy isn’t the same as having a vibrant community of people to talk to. However, it’s possible that walking the pet around could draw you to another group of pet-loving folks. According to one study, pets are incredible for your social life.
It Can Assist With Memory Recall
Sometimes, those who struggle with memory might find an improvement when working with pets. There have been several examinations of those with cognitive aging issues interacting with pets for therapy over the years. They can often remember commands and memorize the name and breed of the pet.
Although there isn’t anything proven yet, much speculation seems to back up this benefit. If you struggle with memory, pet therapy might be the right answer. Memory recall is a critical item to hold to as you enter your later years of life, and animals can help.
Related: Why Everyone Should See a Therapist (At Every Age)
It Improves Communication
Although not everyone has to do this in pet therapy, many people speak with the animals they encounter. While this action might seem strange, it has some positive benefits for the speaker. Speaking with animals can provide healing, accessing a cathartic experience, and even bringing humor to the surface.
The more seniors speak with animals, the easier it is to speak to regular people. This experience is especially beneficial for older adults who have a tricky time communicating regularly, and especially with age.
It Brings Positive Emotions To Life
The final benefit we’re touching on is the emotional aspect of pet therapy. It tends to lower negative emotions in life and bring positive ones to the surface, which is excellent for seniors who tend to be more negative throughout their day than positive. The closer the individual gets to the animal, the more relaxed they will be.
The more seniors play with animals in a day, the easier it will be to take their minds off of some of the more distracting moments in life. Pet therapy is a practical way to take the focus away from scary moments.
Where Can You Sign Up for Pet Therapy?
There are several sites where you can sign up for therapy with pets. Also, many senior living homes offer pet therapy periodically. If you live in one, check the schedule to see if anything is coming up. Some popular websites include PAWS for People and Therapy Animals with Pet Partners.
If neither of these have events near you, also check with your local hospital and community center, as these places frequently offer pet therapy sessions.
Final Thoughts on Pet Therapy
Whether you hang out with cats, puppies, birds, or lizards, there are significant benefits to pet therapy. It can benefit your physical health, boost memory recall, improve communication, and more. Those struggling in these areas wouldn’t find any problem hanging out with pets as a form of therapy.
We hope this information is valuable! Pet therapy is gaining traction as a popular form of mental and physical health assistance, so maybe it will be a practical addition to your life.
You May Also Enjoy: The 7 Best Pets for Seniors
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